Council concerned over spending

The Bloomington city council raised concerns Wednesday night about proposed spending on outside legal counsel -- counsel that could help the city obtain federal dollars for the conversion of McDoel switchyard.\nSix council members opted to pass on the issue, which would transfer $200,000 from the city's current west side industries fund to pay for legal services in Washington. These services would help obtain federal grant money for completion of a plan passed lasted week, the alternative transportation plan.\nConversion of the 70-acre McDoel switchyard into a park is one several proposed projects. \nThe alternative transportation plan will build pathways and sidewalks to connect neighborhoods around Bloomington and encourage use of alternative transportation.\nThe project is expected to cost between $6.1 and $6.75 million, said city controller Tom Guevara. \n"The majority of our budget, $90,000, is actually to hire outside legal assistance, because whenever there is a process that involves the abandonment and acquisition of rail lines, it's a very complex process," Guevara said. \nBut Jim Billingsley, a member of the Monroe County Taxpayers Association, said he was concerned about where the city's priorities lie.\n"I think we must examine whether or not the purposes this money is being asked for, is really a priority," he said. "I think what is intended to be done with this CSX property is essentially make it a glorified sidewalk and bicycle pathway, and right now, there's roadways and sidewalks that allow people to do that very thing."\nCouncil member David Sabbagh said it might be beneficial to wait until more environmental testing has been done on the area before deciding whether or not to appropriate funding toward it. The city is currently awaiting the results of a phase one study which would provide preliminary results on the environmental status of the land, according to Nathan Hadley, executive assistant for economic development. Hadley said the results should be in within the next three weeks.\nAbout 25 individuals were in attendance to witness the council initially approve a modification to the city's deed of the Maplefoot parking lot area. The amendment will allow WonderLab, an interactive science museum, to begin construction on a new museum, which will be located near Fourth and Morton streets.\n"I want to convey a real sense of excitement and anticipation the administration has for the prospect of WonderLab's new museum," Hadley said. "It's hard to imagine a more satisfying project to be associated with than this one."\nHadley said the museum expects to receive over 60,000 visitors a year in the new facility, up from the current average of 15,000 visitors. The council will take a final vote on both resolutions at next Wednesday's meeting.